What is the best first Pokémon in yellow?

The best first Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow is Pikachu, as it is the default starter Pokémon and has a unique set of abilities and characteristics that make it a formidable opponent, although it’s several notches below the Nidos or even Mankey. With its hybridized attacking stats and access to moves like Mega Punch, Pikachu makes for a decent enough all-purpose attacker in Gen 1, but there are better options like Machamp, Hitmonlee, and Hypno.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is the best starter Pokémon in yellow?: The best starter Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow is Pikachu, although Blastoise is the best starter in R/B playthroughs, and marginally second only to the Nidos out of all Pokémon.
2. Can you get all 3 starter Pokémon in yellow?: Yes, all three starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, can be received from NPCs early in the game.
3. Can you get a Squirtle in Yellow?: Yes, you can get a free Squirtle in Vermilion City.

Pokémon-Specific Questions

4. Is Gyarados a good Pokémon in Yellow?: Yes, Gyarados is a good Pokémon in Yellow, with high HP stats, great Attack, Defense, Speed, and Special ratings, although it’s dual-type and may have a few more weaknesses.
5. What legendary Pokémon are in Yellow?: The legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow are Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.
6. Is Zapdos better than Moltres?: Yes, Zapdos is primarily considered the strongest due to its superior typing, with fewer weaknesses.
7. Is Articuno better than Moltres?: No, Moltres is the strongest of the three when looking at their overall stats, although Articuno has the best defense stats.
8. Who is stronger than Gyarados?: The best Pokémon to beat Gyarados are Mega Manectric, Shadow Raikou, Xurkitree, Shadow Magnezone, Shadow Electivire, and Shadow Zapdos.

Evolution and Moveset Questions

9. Can you evolve your Pikachu in Yellow?: No, Pikachu refuses to evolve in Pokémon Yellow because of the anime, where Ash Ketchum’s partner Pokémon does not want to evolve.
10. How do you get Charizard in Pokémon Yellow?: You can get Charizard by evolving Charmeleon, which in turn evolves from Charmander.
11. What Pokémon can’t be caught in Yellow?: The Pokémon that can’t be caught in Pokémon Yellow are Ekans, Koffing, Meowth, Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Arbok, Raichu, and Persian.

Strategy and Team-Building Questions

12. Who should I teach Cut in Pokémon Yellow?: It’s recommended to teach Cut to Rattata or other rodent Pokémon, as they are the best Cut users in the game.
13. Is Lapras a good Pokémon in Yellow?: Yes, though it’s not one of the top dual-type Pokémon, Lapras is worth training due to its unbeatable HP and good stats, although its Speed is a drawback.
14. Is Pikachu worth keeping in Yellow?: Essentially yes, but it will take a lot of grinding, as Pikachu can’t learn Surf, Strength, or Cut, which are required to progress through the game.
15. What happens if you give Pikachu a Thunder Stone in Yellow?: Pikachu is unable to evolve even after a Thunder Stone is used on it, due to the unique circumstances of Pokémon Yellow.